Hospitality feature of an electronic gaming system and method of operation

ABSTRACT

An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA&#39;s) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. A computer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A software-based hospitality feature is integrated into the electronic gaming system for logging players in and out of a game, monitoring and recording of game play, enabling efficient waiter service, assisting security personal and preferably establishing confidential communications with the floor manager or host.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 60/683,810, filed May 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication (Ser. No. Not Available; Atty. Docket No. 60,667-091), bothof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electronic gaming systemand method of operation and more particularly to a hospitality featureof the system and method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games,particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more players playand place wagers on a desired and/or predicted outcome can be played ina variety of ways and in a variety of places, including at a casino orother venue or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games that areavailable for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these, poker isarguably the most popular.

Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wageringpaper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck offifty-two cards. This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cardsper suit. This form of poker requires a human dealer to coordinate thegame, including dealing, wagering, folding, and the like. In “social”card games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as thedealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such ascasinos, the dealer is typically a non-playing employee. Unfortunately,traditional poker is potentially prone to human dealer error. Moreover,human dealers in casino type establishments must be trained and paid asalary sufficient to retain them.

One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference to poker, hasflourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successfulin that it provides many choices for the players. In particular,internet gaming is fast and convenient, with registration, betting andpayouts available from almost any computer with internet access and withpayments typically arranged via a credit card. Yet further, poker orother card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar toslot machines.

One major drawback of internet and stand-alone type games is the lack ofthe human element. Many people prefer to play poker against otherplayers face-to-face, because of the drama associated with “live”gaming. Undoubtedly, an elevated level of competition exists when peoplecompete directly against one another and face-to-face. In gamingestablishments, experienced players are trying to hone strategy and readother players' intentions through their movements and style of play tobe more competitive.

In U.S. Patent Application Publication number US 2005/0090304 A1, filedSep. 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by reference in its entirety, anelectronic gaming system and method of displaying and obscuringelectronic playing cards is disclosed and assigned to the same assigneeof the present invention. Generally, this electronic gaming systemreplaces the human dealer with a computer capable of simulating the dealand simulating the playing cards via video displays. The system has aplurality of tables with each table having a plurality of electronicplayer interaction areas or stations (EPIA's). An individual interestedin playing a particular game can locate oneself in front of a particularstation of a table (or can be assigned) and upon logging-in, can playthe game.

Although the electronic gaming system and related software has uniqueadvantages of particular benefit to the gaming establishment, it doesnot fully conceive of potential benefits for the players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having aplurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spacedpreferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locatesoneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. A computer-basedcontroller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety ofgames to any one table. The player is then free to choose what gamehe/she desires to play by picking a particular table. The gaming systemhas a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controllerfor managerial control of the plurality of tables. A software-basedhospitality feature is integrated into the electronic gaming system forlogging players in and out of a game, monitoring and recording of gameplay, enabling efficient waiter service, assisting security personal andpreferably establishing confidential communications with the floormanager or host.

Operation of the hospitality feature preferably begins with the creationof a player account and the funding of the account after assignment of apersonal identification number for the player. Once assigned, the playeris free to choose an electronic player interaction area that isprogrammed to play a particular game. Once chosen, the player logs in byentering their personal identification number into the electronic playerinteraction area. The player can then divert at least a portion of theirfunds into electronic chips for play of the game. When logging in, asignal is sent to the host console for alerting the host of a newplayer. While playing, the players actions are generally monitored andrecorded into a database of the computer. Also, by logging in, theplayer is in selective communication with the host and/or waiteringstaff for further hospitality services.

Benefits and advantages of the present invention include an automatedelectronic gaming system that enhances communication between gameplayers and the host of a gaming establishment, alerts the host ofpotential problems before they occur, enhances security, better detectspossible collusion between players for the benefit of the remainingplayers, improves beverage and food service and decreases outsidedistractions for the benefit of the players during the game. Otheradvantages include a simplification of funding player accounts and thegeneral elimination of cumbersome, physical, chips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system embodying thepresent invention and in a casino environment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of the gamingsystem;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the electronic poker table of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front and back view of an electronic playing card;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic playerinteraction area of the system with hole cards of the electronic playingcards hidden;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the player interface of FIG. 5 with the holecards revealed;

FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated withone poker table;

FIG. 8 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with aplurality of poker tables;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic player interaction areain a module form with headphones;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified electronic playerinteraction area embodied in a hand-held module with headphones;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of software components of the gaming system;

FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram of the gaming system;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the gaming system with a host console;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the gaming system;

FIG. 15 is a first table tab image displayed on a video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 16 is a second table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 17 is a third table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 18 is a fourth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 19 is a hand dialog displayed on the video screen of the hostconsole;

FIG. 20 is a minutes dialog displayed on the video screen of the hostconsole;

FIG. 21 is a fifth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 22 is a sixth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 23 is a seventh table tab image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 24 is an eighth table tab image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 25 is a first wait list tab image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 26 is a ninth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 27 is an account number dialog displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 28 is a time limit dialog displayed on the video screen of the hostconsole;

FIG. 29 is a tournament chop page image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console; and

FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a hospitality feature for recording historyof play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in FIGS. 1-4, anelectronic gaming system 10 and method of operation embodies the presentinvention. The system 10 utilizes electronic cards 76 or electronicchips and electronic playing cards 76 to provide an automated card gamefor play by one or more players. It should be noted that the descriptionthat follows is directed towards a gaming system 10 which utilizeselectronic cards and chips (for wagering). However, the system 10 mayalso provide a non-wagering (without electronic chips) automated cardgame. Preferably, a human dealer is not required, thus the system 10handles all dealer functions. For the purposes of illustration, thesystem will be described as applied to an electronic poker game known asTexas Hold'em. However, the present invention is not limited to anyparticular card game.

I. The Game

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, in Texas Hold'em, each player at an electronicgaming or poker table 18 is electronically dealt a number of cards,e.g., two cards, face down. These are known as a player's “hole” cards28 and are generally placed directly in front of the respective players.A number of cards, e.g., three or five, are dealt face-up and displayedin a common display area 26. These are known as community or commoncards 30. A player's hand, thus, consists of the player's hole cards 28and the common cards 30. At the end of play of a particular hand,whichever player holds the highest poker hand is the winner of thatround or hand of poker.

The electronic playing cards 76 may be used in any sort of electroniccard game, and even in such games where the player chooses when toreveal their hole cards 28 to themselves or to the other players. Theelectronic poker tables 18 are preferably capable of playing any varietyof card games. Each card game, whether poker or otherwise, willgenerally have its own set of rules, including the number of cards, howthe cards are dealt, the number of betting rounds, the structure ofpermissible wagers, and the like. Thus, while the present invention maybe described below in the context of an electronic poker game (and morespecifically, with respect to a player's hole cards 28 in a Hold'emstyle poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a cardgame.

Furthermore, the poker or card game can be a timed game wherein theplayers have a predetermined time period to complete each turn. Forexample, the players have a set period of one minute to complete eachturn. Furthermore, this period of time may vary; for instance, the firstturn may have a period of completion of one minute, while the secondturn may have a shorter or longer period of completion. During a givenbetting round, the players have a predetermined period of time to eitherfold, check, or make a wager. If no action is taken during thepredetermined time period, a default action is taken where the playerpreferably must fold or check. Generally, the time period for responseduring a betting round will decrease as the hand of the electronic pokergame progresses. Parameters, such as the predetermined time period foreach betting round may be automatically modified by the system 10.

More specific to the electronic playing cards 76, as best shown in FIG.4, each card has visual image or graphical representation of a frontside 76A and a back side 76B. The back side 76B of each card 76 has anidentical pattern or image such that the cards cannot be individuallyidentified with respect to any other card when viewing the back side76B. The electronic playing card 76 is typically one of a set or deck ofstandard playing cards. The deck may be a standard deck of fifty-twocards, with each card having an individual designation. The designationshave a first component being assigned values of two through ACE, and thesecond component being four groupings or suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs,spades). The value and suit of each card is indicated on the front side76A of each playing card 76.

In a traditional card game with physical cards, the player's hole cardsare dealt “face-down” so that they are not revealed to any other player.The dealt player must then discretely view their own hole cards withoutrevealing them to other players. To do this, the player typically liftsthe hole cards close to their bodies, fanning them out, and shieldingthem with their hands, so only the dealt player can see the front sideof their cards. Alternatively, the dealt player may leave the cards facedown on the table and lift one side or corner revealing at least aportion of the front side, while shielding the cards with their hands.Similarly, and with electronic hole cards 28 of cards 76 (as best shownin FIGS. 5 and 6), lifting of the corners of the cards 28 can becomputer simulated upon a triggering event initiated by the respectiveplayer.

The image displayed on the back side 76B of the playing cards may be alogo, a random image (chosen from a set of predetermined images), or maybe advertising directed at the player. The image may include a video ora cycling through of a set of predetermined images. Alternatively, theimage may be selectable by either a player or an employee of a casino12.

II. The Casino

Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 is preferably situated in agaming environment, such as a casino 12. Typically, the casino 12 isdivided into specialized or designated areas such as a poker room orpoker area 14 each containing a plurality of tables 18, or five tablesas illustrated. The poker area 14 is often cordoned off by, for example,a railing 16. While the casino 12 is one example of an environment forthe gaming system 10, the present invention is not limited to any suchlocation or environment and may also include a generally virtual casinoenvironment and the like.

III. The Table

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, each table 18 has a table top 20 supported by atleast one base 42 at floor level, and a plurality of substantiallyvertical legs 44 projecting between the base 42 and the table top 20.The table top 20 includes a playing surface 22 and a plurality ofelectronic player interaction areas (EPIA) 24 for in-part the display ofthe respective hole cards 28. Each table 18 seats a plurality ofplayers, and for example and as illustrated, is preferably capable ofseating a maximum of ten players, hence, each table includes ten EPIA's24A-24J and ten chairs 40 (see FIG. 1). For the game of Texas Hold'em,the table top 20 also preferably includes one central or common displayarea (CDA) 26 for the display of the common cards 30.

Although the EPIA's 24 and CDA 26 are generally computer generatedvisual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not utilized, theelectronic poker tables of the gaming system 10 are aestheticallydesigned to convey and retain the overall sense and ambience of astandard poker room with non-electrical poker tables. The playingsurface area not taken up by the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 is preferablycovered in a traditional material such as felt having any variety ofcolors. Moreover, logos, game information, or other information may beprinted on the material. Alternatively, the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 isa single display that covers a substantial portion or all of the tabletop 20. The EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 can be set apart from the rest ofthe table top 20 by virtual or computer generated borders. The areas ofthe display around the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 are preferably used tosimulate the playing surface 22 of a standard poker table by, forexample, providing an electronic image of a felt material. Furthermore,logos, game information, other information, advertisements,announcements, pictures, videos, or other information may be displayedand rotated, cycled, or shown for a limited period of time on the tabletop 20.

IV. Electronic Player Interaction Areas

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5-6, each EPIA 24 has a player interface 54used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to therespective EPIA 24, and to effectuate interaction or input from theplayer to the system 10. Each EPIA 24 can be part of one large displaymonitor, such as a LCD or plasma monitor, that includes the CDA 26, orthe EPIA's preferably have separate and distinct monitors and computersnetworked together as required to play the game. The player interfaces54 can be implemented on the table top 20 or in a module 34 (see FIG.9). Alternatively, the player interface 54 may be implemented on ahand-held device 58, such as a personal data assistant (see FIG. 10).

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5-6, the player interface 54 of the EPIA24 is preferably a touch-screen display. Each display 54 is preferablyhoused in respective modules 34. In one embodiment, each module 34incorporates a fully-functional computer (not shown) and is thus easilyremovable and replaced from the poker table 18. The computer includes aprocessor capable of running an operating system, such as Windows XP orWindows CE, both available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.Alternatively, the EPIA's 24 may be driven by one or more computers (notshown) located in the proximity of the table 18 with a server or servercomputer 50 or within the table 18.

a) Controller

A controller that is either the module 34, the personal computer (notshown), the hand-held device 58, the server 50 or a combination thereof,controls the player interface 54 (i.e. controls the informationcomponents of the player interface 54), detects touches if the playerinterface 54 is a touch-screen display device, and interprets thetouches as trigger or touch events. The controller preferably controlsthe display device 54 including obscuring or hiding the player's holecards 28 such that the player may controllably display and view thecards, while maintaining them secret from the other players.

b) Visual Player Interface

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, preferably the player interface 54 includes agraphical representation 56 of a poker table. Each player in the pokergame is represented by a user graphic or icon 62 that lists their namesas well as their chip totals. The pot of the current hand may berepresented in the center of the poker table representation 56 bystack(s) of chips 64 and/or a number 66 representing the value of thecurrent pot. Each player's contribution to the pot may be represented bystack(s) of chips 68 and/or a number 70 adjacent their user graphic 62.

In one embodiment, not only is the EPIA 24 capable of controllablydisplaying and/or obscuring a player's hole cards, the EPIA 24 is alsocapable of providing an indication of the player's current highest handbased on the player's current hand and the common cards 30. The highesthand may be shown textually, e.g., two-pairs, and/or graphically,pictures of the five cards which make of the highest hand. The highesthand may be triggered and shown using the same trigger event associatedwith the hole cards 28. Alternatively, a separate trigger event, such asa touch-event on another location on the EPIA 24 may be used to show thehighest hand.

The player interface 54 preferably includes a series of game buttons 74that allow the player to signal their game play decisions to the gamingsystem 10 during the play of the game, and thus preferably include afold button 74A, a call button 74B and a raise button 74C. The gamebuttons 74 are active when it is a player's turn in the poker game andpreferably inactive when it is not. Moreover, the EPIA 24 only activatesthose buttons 74 that are appropriate, given the rules of the game beingplayed, during the current turn. For example, if the maximum number ofraises for a particular game has already been made, then the wager orraise button would be inactive. The raise button 74C may be replacedwith one or more buttons (not shown) which allow the player to make awager of a predetermined or allowed amount, e.g. $10. In addition oralternatively, a keypad (not shown) may be provided which allows theplayer to key in a wager amount.

Preferably, the player interface 54 also displays the common cards 30.Other information that can be displayed on the player interface include,but is not limited to, an indication (visual icon and/or audio) of theplayer whose turn it is to act, a total of chips for each player, anycards of the other players that are face-up, and/or messages to theplayer, such as advertising.

Moreover, in the casino 12 environment, preferably a portion of each potgoes to the house for running the poker game. This portion of the pot isknown as the rake and is preferably displayed on each EPIA 24. The rakemay be shown as an amount in dollars and may include a graphicalrepresentation of virtual chips. Similarly, the EPIA 24 preferablydisplays a graphical representation of the chips and/or a dollar amountindicative of the amount of chips each player at the table has remainingand the amount of the current pot.

In addition, or alternatively, to the common cards 30 displayed by theCDA 26, each EPIA preferably includes a graphical representation of thecommon cards in the middle of the graphical representation 56 of thepoker table 18. Graphical representations of the other player's card mayalso be shown (face-down during the current hand and face-up at the endof the hand). The common card 30 displayed in the graphicalrepresentation 56 are preferably smaller than the display of the holecards 28 for the player of the specific EPIA 24. The display of thecommon cards 30 in the CDA 26 are preferably larger than the display ofthe common cards 30 in the EPIA representation 56.

Other attributes of the EPIA's 24 may include:

-   -   utilization of Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology    -   utilization of Multi Touch touch screen technology    -   a secure process for returning a player to a game after missing        a number of blinds by pressing the button that temporarily        removes the player from the game    -   method to obscure player pre-selection of one or several bet        options (Poker is a sequential game. Situations exist where a        player will know what action they want to take prior to it being        there turn. Allowing the player to make that decision in advance        of their turn in a way that allows players seating close to        observe this action would provide an unfair advantage to some        players and not others. This feature allows a player to make a        pre-selection while observing his hole cards in such a way that        other players will not be able to observe that pre-selection.),    -   ability to display live and pre-recorded video, and    -   ability to replay a previous hand (may be limited to showing the        end result of the last hand and may only be available for a        short period of time).

c) Audio Player Interface:

Preferably, the EPIA 24 includes a player sound generation device thatgenerates sounds audible to the player assigned to the EPIA 24. Theplayer sound generation device may be implemented as an earpiece (60) orheadphones (see FIGS. 9 and 10) or one or more speakers. Player soundsare generally meant to be heard by a specific player alone and mayinclude a reminder or indication of a player's turn or if the game istimed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out,an audible signal indicating the player's hole cards 28 or the highesthand of the player or a winning percentage associated with the player'shand. The audio signals or sounds can be any series of beeps, chimes, asimulated voice, and the like.

d) Physical Structure of the EPIA:

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the modules 34 are removablymounted to the table top 20, and preferably such that the touch-screendisplay 54 is substantially parallel and flush with the playing surface22 of the table top 20. Moreover, the playing surface 22 of the tabletop 20 can be an overlay with selected cut-outs or openings for exposingthe player interface or touch-screen display 54. The overlay preferablycovers the outer edge of the display for aesthetic appearances.Moreover, the touch-screen display 54 can be mounted at an angle withrespect to the table top 20 and below the playing surface 22 thuspartially shielding the player's hole cards 28 from adjacent players.Similarly, the display 54 can be mounted at an angle with respect to andabove the table top 20 wherein the angle can be adjustable for playerviewing convenience.

V. Central Display Area and Audio

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5-6, the CDA 26 is used to displayinformation such as common cards 30 for all players to see and is thuslocated further from the players than their respective EPIA's 24.Consequently, the display of the common cards 30 is preferably largerthan the display of the hole cards 28. That is, the hole cards 28 aredisplayed at a first predetermined ratio from the standard size playingcard, and the common cards 30 are displayed at a second predeterminedratio from the standard size playing card. Preferably, the first andsecond ratios may be defined such that the common cards 30 are displayedlarger than the hole cards 28. Alternatively, the first and secondratios can be the same.

As previously described, the CDA 26 is preferably separate from theplurality of EPIA's 24, and is implemented preferably utilizing a LCD orplasma monitor or similar device. The CDA 26 preferably indicates whichplayer's turn it is and which player is the designated “dealer” for thecurrent hand. These indications are provided by respective visualsignals such as an icon, arrow or the like, and/or an audio signal suchas a beep, musical tone, and/or voice message. This indication of aplayer's turn and dealer designation CDA 26 can also be in addition tothe indication provided on the respective EPIA 24. With audioindication, the CDA 26 can utilize integrated “transducer sound emittingtechnology” thus eliminating the need for separate speakers.

In other card games other than Texas Hold'em, common cards 30 may notexist, hence, during play of these games, the CDA 26 can be used todisplay advertising messages instead. The advertising messages may befrom the casino or third parties and may consist of graphics, pictures,animations, video and/or audio. The advertising may be presented atpredetermined locations on the central display 38 for varied durationsas the CDA cycles through a plurality of advertising messages.

In general, the CDA 26 is preferably capable of displaying and/oranimating:

-   -   blinds,    -   common cards 30,    -   bets placed and player chip stacks,    -   an indication of players who have folded and not folded,    -   winning hands,    -   wining hand percentage estimates in situations where all        remaining player hold cards are exposed, and    -   rake in dollars or virtual chips.

Preferably, the gaming table 18 includes a table or system soundgeneration device (as oppose to the player sound generation devicepreviously described) that is used to generate sounds audible to all theplayers. The table sound generation device may be implemented by one ormore speakers mounted to the table 18. Alternatively, the table soundgeneration device may include one or more speakers adjacent to orintegral with each EPIA 24 as previously described. For example, systemsounds may include sounds imitating the shuffling of cards, the dealingof cards, chips thrown into the pot, sounds related to the winning ofthe jackpot. Player sounds may include a reminder or indication of aplayer's turn or if the game is timed, an indication of the timeremaining or that time is running out. Generally, player exclusivesounds will not be played through the system sound generation device.

VI. Server Computer

As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each EPIA 24, in the illustratedembodiment, preferably includes a dedicated computer (not shown), andthe CDA 26 has a dedicated CDA computer 52. Both the EPIA computer andthe CDA computer 52 for any given table 18 communicate with the servercomputer 50 that preferably plays/controls the card game, and preferablyover an Ethernet network 48. The same server 50 communicates or isnetworked in a like manner to preferably all of the tables 18. Oneskilled in the art would now know that more than one EPIA 24 couldoperate off of one computer or that the computer 52 for the CDA 26 couldalso control the EPIA's 24 and/or replace the server 50 altogether.However, having a multitude of dedicated computers simplifies softwareand maintenance issues and due to the relatively inexpensive costs ofcomputers, reduces manufacturing costs of the gaming system 10.

The server 50 is preferably used to implement and facilitate playertracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) wagering, assigning player'sto the seat 40 at a particular table 18, tournament play, table set-up(including turning the tables on and off and modifying tableparameters), and progressive jackpots. In general, the server 50 runsthe game wherein the server 50 electronically “shuffles” the playingcards, deals the cards, controls the players' turns, receives theplayer's inputs and acts accordingly; tracks, manages, and awards thepot, and tracks the rake. Game data is stored in a database preferablyof the server 50 with each input, wager, play, and the like stored inthe database. Other functions implemented by the server 50 are:

-   -   electronically shuffling the playing cards 76    -   dealing cards,    -   controlling players' turns,    -   receives the player's data input,    -   player tracking,    -   cashless wagering,    -   defining and modifying table parameters, including, turning the        tables 18 on and off, setting the poker game being played at the        table 18, setting wager parameters, and the like,    -   defining and managing jackpots, including the house percentage        or rake,    -   defining and managing progressive jackpots,    -   establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning        players to seats 40 and/or specific tables 18 from the queue,        and    -   establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning        player seats, collapsing tables, and the like.

In addition, other devices may be connected to the server 50 forproviding additional features and/or functions. For example, a queuingsystem can be provided utilizing its own dedicated computer. However, insome systems these additional features or function could be provided, atleast in part, by the server(s) 50.

VII. Host Console

With particular reference to FIGS. 7-8 and 13, the system 10 preferablyhas a host console 102 in electrical communication with the servercomputer 50 for configuring the EPIA's 24 and/or the CDA 26 and forestablishing parameters of the electronic poker game. Preferably, thehost console 102 is embodied in a separate computer, such as a personalcomputer, connected or networked (wired or wirelessly) to the servercomputer 50. The host console 102 may be integrated into a console, suchas a kiosk. The host console 102 may also be embodied in any type ofsuitable device, such as a handheld computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), notebook or laptop computer, or tablet computer.Preferably, the host console 102 provides interaction with a host orfloor manager of the casino 12 via a host interface 120 of the hostconsole 120 that is preferably a touch-screen similar to the playerinterface 54.

In general, the host console 102 is an administration device that can beused to create and edit game profiles including setting the game type,limits, play timing, and/or number of required players. The host console102 allows the host or casino employee to start, pause, and stop gamesand to monitor table play. Additional electronic tables 18 can beactivated or opened, and ring or tournament games (see below) can beeasily started. Preferably, the host console 102 provides the ability toturn any one or all of the poker tables 18 on and off by communicatingwith the EPIA computers and CDA computer 52 via the server 50.

The host console 102 may enable a casino employee or host to:

-   -   select or change one of the plurality of poker games to be        played on one or more of the electronic poker tables 18,    -   select the betting or wager structure to be used (For example,        the poker games may have one of a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit        wagering structure. The host console 102 enables the employee        set the wagering structure for a given electronic poker table        18.),    -   select or change other parameters of the electronic poker games,        including, but not limited to time parameters, wager limits,        amounts associated with a big blind and a little blind,    -   select whether the electronic poker game is a timed game or a        non-timed game,    -   modify the predetermined time period for each betting round in a        timed game,    -   monitor the number of drinks ordered by a player through the        EPIA 24,    -   add notes with information related to a specific player,    -   initiate a replay of a previous hand graphically, textually or        numerically,    -   lock out and remove one of the players from the electronic poker        table 18,    -   adjust the stack of electronic chips for one or more of the        players (Possibly for correcting any deficiencies and/or settle        any disputes with regard to operation of the electronic poker        table 18 or play of one of the other players)

Additionally, the host console 102 allows the casino host to pause playat one of the electronic poker tables 18, for example, to allow the hostto discuss any issues any of the players have with regard to theelectronic poker game and/or one of the other players. The employee mayre-start the electronic poker game when finished. In another aspect ofthe present invention, the host console 102 may allow the host torestart the electronic poker table 18 after a fault or fault condition.For example, the host console 102 may allow the host to restart theEPIA's 24 and/or the CDA 26. Additionally if the EPIA's 24 include aseparate computer or a separate computer is provided to drive thecentral display area 26, the host console 102 may be adapted to restartor reboot these computers. Moreover, the host console 102 enables thehost to “hibernate” a game. This may be used for example, to pause agame until the next day. A hibernated game may be re-started at the sameor any other table.

Referring to FIG. 15, the host console 102 is programmed with two mainsections referred to on the touch screen 120 of the host console 102 asa table tab 122 and a wait list tab 124. When activating or booting-upthe host console 102, or when the host selects the table tab 122 if theconsole is already activated, a default or home screen of the system 10generally depicts graphically the tables 18 as table representations 180(see FIG. 18). This depiction generally marks the beginning of all thetable pages 126 generally programmed under the table tab 122 option.Selection of the wait list tab 124 displays a wait list page 128 (seeFIG. 25). Each one of the pages 126, 128 on the touch-screen 120provides a multitude of options for the host to select. When selected,the home pages 126, 128 will generally change the display configurationproviding additional information for the host and often additionaloptions to choose from. For the sake of explanation, and although eachpage 126, 128 may have a multitude of screen displays, all the screendisplays with respect to the table tab 122 will be referred to as onecommon table page 126. Similarly, each screen with respect to the waitlist tab 124 will be referred to as one common wait list page 128.

With particular reference to FIG. 15, each table 18 may be selected anddiagnostic information and options are shown on the table page 126 thatincludes a table component list 130, a component parameter list 132, areset connection button 134, a restart software button 136, a rebootbutton 138, a calibrate screen button 140, a back button 142, and arefresh button 144. Because the table page 126 is preferably one of manyscreen displays linked to that illustrated in FIG. 15, the back andrefresh buttons 142, 144 provide the host with the ability to generallyscroll through various screen displays of the table page 126 such asthat also illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The table component list 130 includes a list of all components of theselected table 18, each personal computer 50 (i.e., the “Table Client”)and each module 34 (i.e., the individual seats). Table Client 2 is abackup to Table Client 1 and is optional. Selection of one of thecomponents of the table 18 in the table component list 130 displaysinformation regarding the selected component in the component parameterlist 132.

The table component list parameter list 132 preferably includes a:

-   -   1. Description Field (e.g., “Table 13, Seat 4”);    -   2. Client Type Field (e.g., Player or Table);    -   3. Client Status: (Active or Inactive);    -   4. Connection Status: (Connected or Disconnected);    -   5. Seat Number (where appropriate);    -   6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);    -   7. Player Name (when available); and,    -   8. Player Status (e.g., Active or In-Active).

The reset connection button 134 is active when the connection betweenthe server computer 50 and the component selected in the component list130 is disconnected. Selection of the reset connection button 134 may beused to “ping” the selected component and attempt to restart theconnection therebetween. The restart software button 136 may be used torestart the software on the selected component if the component isinactive. For example, either the client software or the operatingsoftware may be restarted, i.e., a soft reboot. The reboot hardwarebutton 138 may be used to restart the selected component, i.e., turn offthe selected component and turn the selected component back on.

Because the player interface 54 of the EPIA 24 is preferably atouch-screen display, it requires running of a calibration routine forfirst time use and periodic calibration routine re-runs thereafter. Theselection of the calibrate screen button 140 will run the calibrationroutine for the selected EPIA 24. Selection of the back button 142 willreturn the screen 120 to a previous state or view. Selection of therefresh button 144 will refresh all of the information contained on thecurrent screen.

The table page 126 also includes a stop/pause parameter selection area146, a move game button 148, a pause game button 150, a stop game button152, an auto deal check button 154, a closed seating check button 156, ause wait list check button 158, an information/status area, a pair ofnavigation buttons, and a clear alert button 164. The stop/pauseparameter selection area 146, located toward the lower left hand cornerof the screen, is used with either of the pause game button 150 or thestop game button 152 if the host wants to pause a game or electronictable 18 to make a change or perform some other function. The stop/pauseparameter selection area 146 includes the three options of “No Delay,”“Minutes,” and “Hands.” The game or table will be resumed when the hostis finished. A stopped game ends the play at the table typically at theend of the day.

In the lower right hand corner of the screen illustrated in FIG. 15, theauto deal check button 154, the closed seating check button 156, and theuse wait list check button 158 are used to turn on/off the correspondingfunction. The information/status area 160 provides additionalinformation about the selected component or a just completed action. Thenavigation buttons 162 may be used to cross between messages in theinformation/status area 160. The clear alert button 164 is used to clearalerts generated by players at their respective EPIA's 24A-24J.

Referring to FIG. 17, the table page 126 also displays informationregarding the game being played at the selected table of the pluralityof tables 18A-18J. Preferably, the tables 18A-8J are used to provide avariety of electronic card games, such as poker, and the host console102 provides a list of the predefined or selected card games. Whenproviding game information, the table page 126 preferably has a generalsection 168, a game play section 170, a rake section 172, and a liveaction setting section 174. The general section 168 includes the currentgame and a description of the current game being played on the selectedtable of the plurality of tables 18A-18J and any other neededinformation associated with the current game. In FIG. 17, the selectedgame is “Limit Hold'em $1/$2”. The general section 168 includes: type,variation, stakes, and jackpots. The game play section 170 describesparameters that affect game play. In the illustrated embodiment, thegame play section 170 includes: maximum raises per hand, action timelimit, minimum number of players, and maximum number of players. Therake section 172 includes information regarding the current rake. Thelive action section 174 includes information regarding wagering. Forexample, the defined game is “Limit Hold'em $1/$2” and the live actionsection 174 includes information related to the blinds, permissiblewagers, and the minimum and maximum stakes allowed.

Referring to FIG. 18, the seven table representations 180A-180G of thetable page 126 is illustrated and preferably includes:

-   -   1. The name of the table shown;    -   2. The game being played at the table (e.g., Limit Hold'em $1/$2        or no game);    -   3. The number of hands being played per hour.

Each graphical table representation 180A-180G may also include thestatus of each EPIA 24, for example inactive (indicated by a red “X” ormarked as “No Game”), active, reserved or out. A reserved EPIA 24 orseat, means that it has been assigned to a player and can only be usedby that player. The player must log in to the reserved or assigned EPIA24 to begin playing. Typically, the player has a predetermined amount oftime to log-in to the assigned EPIA 24 or the seat 40 becomes availableagain.

Referring to FIG. 23 and more particularly to pausing and/or stopping agame via the host console 102, the stop/pause parameter selection area146 is used to select how the game will be stopped or paused. To do so,there are three options: “no delay,” “by minutes,” and “by hands.” If“no delay” is first selected, then if the pause button 150 or the stopgame button 152 is selected, the game is immediately paused or stopped,respectively. Once a game has been paused, the pause button 150 will bereplaced with a resume button 150′. Alternatively, if “by minutes” isselected, then a minute dialog 184 is displayed (see FIG. 20). Theminute dialog 184 allows the host to enter when the game will be pausedor stopped (in minutes) after the appropriate buttons are selected. Yetagain, if “by hands” is selected, then a hands dialog 186 is displayed(see FIG. 19). The hands dialog 186 allows the host to enter when thegame will be paused or stopped (in number of hands of play) after theappropriate buttons are selected.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, each table representation180A-180G of the tables 18 can generally be zoomed in upon to displayadditional or more particular information. The screen 120 has a zoombutton 188 and a second set of navigation buttons 190. With particularreference to FIG. 21, with the graphical table representations 180 beingdisplayed, a selected table is highlighted by a colored or yellowbanding 182. The navigation buttons 190 may be used to cycle or movethrough the table representations 180. To zoom in on a tablerepresentation 180 of a table 18, the host preferably double-clicks onthe desired table representation 180 or selects the zoom button 188 tozoom in on the selected table representation 180.

Referring to FIG. 22, once a table representation is zoomed in on, thetable page 126 displays a larger and more detailed graphical tablerepresentation or table enlargement 192. The table enlargement 192 has acentral information area 192A and a plurality of player informationareas 192B. The central information area 192A generally includesinformation about the actual table 18, which may include: tableidentifier, status, game type, pending status, average pot, hands perhour, average wait time to get a seat at the table, and a start time ofthe current game. The player information areas 192B generally includethe seat number, the status (reserved, occupied, etc), player name(where appropriate), the player's stake, the player's wins/losses forthe current game, and the time player entered the current game.

Referring to FIG. 26, the table page 126 preferably includes a reserve(or reserve for player) button 194, a game info button 198, and adiagnostics button 202. Selection of the game info button 198 and thediagnostics button 202, will result in game information and diagnosticsinformation being displayed. As shown in FIGS. 26-28, the table page 126may also include a reserve empty button 204 and a penalize button 208.The reserve empty button 204 may be used to reserve a seat withoutdesignative a specific person. The penalize button 208 may be used toadjust a player's stack or otherwise penalize a player. An adjust potbutton 230 may be used to adjust the pot of the current hand.

The reserve button 194 allows the host via utilization of the hostconsole 102 to reserve a seat 40 for a specific player. In order to usethis button, the use wait list check box has to be off and therestricted seating check box has to checked. This allows the host toplace the specific player ahead of those players on the wait list, whilenot opening the seat 40 to anyone who may attempt to log-in or use theunoccupied seat. When the reserve button 194 is selected, an accountnumber dialog 210 is displayed (see FIG. 27). The account number dialog210 allows the host to enter the account number of the person for whomthey are reserving the seat 40. After the account number has beenentered, a time limit dialog 212 is shown. The time limit dialog 212(see FIG. 28) allows the host to designate how long the reservation willlast before the player logs into the EPIA 24 to secure the seat 40. Oncea seat has been reserved, the reservation and the player's name will bereflected at the corresponding graphical representation (see FIG. 26that shows seat 7 reserved for “Greg”).

With particular reference to FIG. 24, the screen 120 includes a dropdown list 214. The drop down list 214 includes a list of all games whichmay be played on the tables 18. Selecting “all” on the drop down listwill display graphical representations of all of the tables 18.Selecting one of the games in the drop down list 214 will displaygraphical representations of only those tables which are playing thatselected game.

With particular reference to FIG. 25, the wait list page 128 includes aninformation section 216 for each type of game that may be played on thetables 18. Each information section 216 includes information related tothe game and the wait list for that game. In the illustrated embodiment,the information section includes:

-   -   1. the number of tables playing the game;    -   2. the number of players sat in a given interval; and,    -   3. the number of players in the queue (i.e., the wait list).

The information section 216 may also include a queue active check boxand an allow entry check box, which allow the employee to turn the waitlist on/off for given game and to allow/disallow additional players tobe added to the wait list for a given game, respectively.

With particular reference to FIG. 29, a tournament chop page 218 isillustrated which is used only during tournaments and allows the host tostop tournament play prematurely, i.e., before only one player is left,and split the remaining pot or table stakes. The tournament chop page218 includes a series of check boxes 220 that allow the host todesignate how the pot or jackpot will be split. In the illustratedembodiment, there are three options: split manually, split even, orsplit by table stakes. If split manually is chosen, the correspondingamounts are entered in a virtual key pad 222. The tournament chop page218 may also include a refund rake check box 224. A cancel button 225allows the employee to cancel the current operation and return to aprevious screen. A stop & chop now button 226 stops the currenttournament and splits the pot as designated.

Additional features of the host console 102 are described in thefollowing concurrently filed U.S. patent applications all of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-062);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-063);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-064);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-065);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-067); and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-068).        VIII. Hospitality Attributes and Peripheral Features

Generally, because the EPIAs 24 and the host console 102 of theelectronic gaming system 10 are software-based, various attributes andfeatures not common in traditional forms of gaming are obtainable. Forinstance, the need for a player to approach a traditional cage with cashor personal credit to obtain physical and sometimes cumbersome playingchips from a cage manager is no longer a necessity. Moreover, during thecourse of a game, player diversions such as a player's desire to attracta waitress for a drink or food can be reduced or substantiallyeliminated. Furthermore, inappropriate behavior from fellow players canbe anonymously reported to floor managers by fellow players, or evenprevented before they occur by monitoring alcohol consumption. Yetfurther, monitoring of players and the game can better detect potentialcollusion and cheating by selected players that would be to thedisadvantage of other players. In essence, novel hospitality andperipheral features 232 of the present invention can increase theefficient and pleasurable playing of a game for the benefit of theplayers and the casino or establishment that provides the gamingenvironment.

a. Logging-in/Out and Controlling Player Accounts:

As best illustrated in FIG. 30 and in operation, the gaming system 10will implement a player-account based cash in/cash out system of thehospitality feature 232. The hospitality feature 232 will create a useraccount 234 for each player. Once an account is established for theplayer, the player is preferably issued a player card 236 having anassociated personal identification number or PIN 238. Once the playerhas been issued the card, their account may be funded 240. The playercard is used to both fund and identify the player at the tables 18. Theplayer may fund their account by bringing cash to a cage, where the cashis accepted and credited to the player's account. Printed receipts aregiven to the player and maintained by the casino 12. To bring electronicchips to the table 18, the player chooses 241 an EPIA 24 and sits downat an associated seat 40, swipes their player card 242 and enters theirPIN 244. The hospitality feature 232 informs the player of their accountbalance and allows them to convert all or a portion of the accountbalance to electronic chips 246 to bring to the game.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 30, the module 34 preferably has a card reader36 for reading the player card. As previously described, the player maylog into the gaming system 10 through the EPIA 24 preferably by swipingthe card 242 through the card reader 36. Additionally, the card reader36 may be integrated into the bezel (not shown) located around themodule 34. The EPIA 24 may also require entry of the personalidentification number 244 into an attached keypad or virtual keypaddisplayed on the player interface 54. Alternatively or in addition, theplayer may log-in using a biometric parameter, such as a fingerprint,sensed by a sensor and a RFID card or chip. Once a player's identity isestablished, the player can access a preferably required player accountand purchase chips 246 using the account balance communicated over thenetwork. The player account may have an associated balance that containsa dollar amount based on an amount of money deposited by the playerand/or any winnings that they have collected, either through poker orsome other game. Additionally, information regarding the player's playat the table 18 may be tracked and recorded 248 to the player's account.

In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming system 10 may utilizea cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO), that isconstructed and arranged into each EPIA 24. Alternatively, a preferablybar-coded ticket, magnetic card, RFID card, or some other media jointlyreferred to as a TICKET) may be inserted in the EPIA 24. The TICKET mayhave an associated value that is either printed and/or encoded thereonor that is associated with the TICKET in the gaming system 10.Additionally, once the player decides to leave the table 18, anyremaining chips they have, may be instantly converted back into dollarsand stored 250 in their player account and/or a new Ticket preferablygenerated at the table 18.

The player interface 54 of the EIPA 24 preferably includes a series ofplayer buttons 72. The player buttons 72 include, for example, a sit-inbutton 72A, a leave table button 72B, and an options button 72C.Generally, only one of the sit-in button 72A and the leave table button72B would be active at any time. The options button 72C allows theplayer to access an option menu or screen (not shown) that allows theplayer to modify certain parameters of the player interface 54, such asfor example, to choose between different formats of the player interface54 (i.e. graphical display or text display). The player buttons 72 arepreferably implemented on the touch screen display 54, or alternatively,can be embodied in electromechanical switches or buttons (not shown).

Regarding the leave table button 72B, a player may decide toactivate/select 255 this feature when the player decides to change seatsor move to another table altogether 252 but without necessarily loggingout from the game itself (i.e. cashing in chips). For example, ifanother player or players have left the table 18 leaving fewer playersat the table and the player does not like to play at a table with thatfew of players, the player may request through the EPIA 24 another seatassignment at which point the player leaves 257.

Typically, a player who has left the table to take a break or for anyreason may return as long as they pay any missed blinds. Moreover, aplayer who intends to leave temporarily can have another playergenerally sit-in for the departing player by selection of the sit-inbutton 72C, thus avoiding the payment of any missed blinds. As shown inFIGS. 26-28 and 30, when the departing player selects 255 the leavetable button 72B, the hospitality feature 232 activates 259 the sit-inbutton 72A. The new or replacement player may then select 261 theactivated sit-in button 72A and begin play of the game until thedeparting player returns 263. For instances where the departing playerdoes not return and does not have a sit-in replacement, the table page126 of the host console 102 preferably includes an unseat button 206. Ifthe departing player does not return to the table in a prescribed amountof time or number of hands, the host may choose to replace 254 thedeparted player and thus select 265 the unseat button 206.

Preferably, after a jackpot is won by a player 256 or the player choosesto log-out 258, one or more government reporting forms may be presented260 to the player on their EPIA 24. The form may accept the player'selectronic signature (if permissible) or may notify the player of therequirements and direct them to a location where they can fill out theform. The device may be a personal, notebook, or tablet computer,handheld computer, PDA, or other suitable device.

b. Monitoring Players:

Other functions may be provided by the hospitality feature 232 throughthe host console 102. For example, as discussed above, players maychoose 241 or be assigned to one of the EPIAs 24. The system 10 mayrequire that the assigned player log-in 242, 244 to the assigned EPIA24. The hospitality feature 232 of the system 10, possibly through thehost console 102 or the server computer 50 allows the host to listprevious or current players in a database. When any player logs in to agame, a signal is sent 245 to the host console 102. This signal causesthe feature 232 to search 247 the database. If the player is located inthe database 249 the host console 102 or server computer 50 initiates atrigger event 262 based on the particular player found. The triggerevent preferably alerts the host through the host console 102 who maythen choose to act 251 accordingly. Depending upon this action, theplayer listed in the database may continue with play of the game as thesystem records the history of play 248. Even if the host chooses 251 notto act upon a triggering event, the host is at least aware that thelisted player is currently located and playing at the respective EPIA24. If the player logging in is not found 253 in the database, theplayer merely continues with play of the game and the system records thehistory of play 248 without alerting the host to potential problems.

In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above, thehospitality feature 232 of the system 10 tracks each transaction, wager,card dealt in a database. The feature 232 also tracks the players whichare playing at each table 18. This information is stored 248 in thedatabase, summarized, and may be presented in any numerous forms ofreporting formats. Any information regarding the player's, the games,and how each hand is played may be tracked. This available data may alsobe analyzed for purposes of determining the frequency of poker hands(per hour) for a table or all games in which a particular player orplayers played or detecting, e.g., collusion between players.

c. Monitoring/Recording the Game:

The hospitality feature 232 through the host console 102 is preferablyused to monitor play 264 at any one of the electronic poker tables 18and establishes a value associated with the rate of play of hands at theassociated table 18. This may be done by establishing when a hand of theelectronic poker game is dealt and the time a winner is determined andthe pot awarded to the winner. If the rate of play of hands is below apredetermined value 266, then the host via the host console 102 can besignaled via a message or alert (audio and/or visual) 268 on the hostconsole 102. In response, the host may wish to observe play 270 at theelectronic poker table 18.

Referring to FIG. 16, the table page 126 displays the game history of aselected table of the plurality of tables 18A-18J preferably displayedin a list 166. The list 166 includes a line item for each action thathas occurred on the selected table with a time stamp.

Referring to FIG. 26, the table page 126 preferably includes a historybutton 200 that when selected displays history information of past play.

d. Summons Request by the Player:

Preferably, the EPIA 24 provides a player with virtual buttons thatsummon or direct specific employees of the casino 12. For example theplayer may request a host/hostess to order a drink. Additionally, theplayer may anonymously request that an employee review something thatoccurred or is occurring at the table 18 (e.g. possible collusion). Thealert may be anonymous, and is a request for the host to come andobserve a table 18. The alert appears on the host console 102. If thealert is anonymous, there will preferably be no indication of whichplayer created the alert on the host console 102.

IX. General Process and Software

With particular reference to FIG. 14, in another aspect of the presentinvention, a method 110 provides an electronic poker game to a pluralityof players on at the electronic poker table 18 using the host console102 and the server computer 50. In a first step 112, the host console102 preferably configures the EPIA's 24 and the central display area 26and establishes parameters of the electronic poker game. In a secondstep 114, the electronic poker game is administered by the servercomputer 50 using electronic cards and chips.

From a software perspective, the gaming system 10 may be implementedusing six program groups: a table server, a game engine, a table client,a player client, a table manager, and a cage manager. The table serverimplements the network communication, control and authentication as wellas inter-table functions (seat reservations, multi-table tournaments).The game engine is responsible for all game functions, e.g., electronicplaying card deck generation, dealing, betting, determining winners andawarding pots. The table client is the graphical control for the CDA 26.The player client implements the user interface for the EPIA 24 and thelogic for capturing player input and communication the player input tothe table client server. The table manager contains the host interfacefor setting user, network, and game parameters, for starting, pausing,and stopping games, and for monitoring game activity and responding tosystem or user generated alerts. The cage manager provides the abilityto create and fund player accounts and to create the Player Cards.

If there are no seats 40 available, the player is placed in a queue,until a seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are taken off of thequeue and assigned a seat on a first come, first served basis. However,the system 10 may allow the casino 12 to implement special rules forplayers to bypass the queue or list. For example, the casino may presentvouchers to players under certain conditions, such as a win in atournament, to be placed at the head of a queue.

The system 10 allows jackpots, i.e., progressive jackpots, to begenerated by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple tables. Aprogressive jackpot may increase based on the amounts wagered and/or wonat the included tables. The progressive jackpot may continue to increaseuntil won under a set of predetermined conditions. Alternatively, it maybe active until only for a predetermined time period. The conditions forwinning the jackpot that it is won by one or more players at the end ofthe time period.

The system 10 allows a progressive jackpot to be funded in multipleways. The way in which a progressive jackpot is funded may be fundedthrough a computer program application on the server 50 or other device.For example, the progressive jackpot may be funded by taking a setpercentage from every jackpot, every other jackpot, or every n^(th)jackpot. The amount of the progressive jackpot may be displayed on theCDA 26 and/or a remote display.

The progressive jackpot may be initiated randomly, under certaindefinable conditions, and/or for a specific event, i.e., a marketingevent. The progressive jackpot may be a single hand, a predeterminednumber of hands at one table or across multiple hands, for apredetermined time period, and the like.

X. Tournament Play

The system 10 facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, apredetermined number of tables 18 having a predetermined number ofplayers are involved. A buy-in, e.g., $100 is required. Typically, aftera player loses all of their money, they are eliminated from thetournament.

Under predetermined rules, players may register for a tournament and beassigned to seats at a table. During play, under predetermined rules,tables may be broken down and the players distributed to other tables.The system 10 facilitates the tournament by providing one or more of thefollowing features:

-   -   a) registration    -   b) tracking tournament information    -   c) display of tournament information on central display and/or        remote display    -   d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in    -   e) re buy-in    -   f) tournament jackpot, cash or entry voucher for entry another        tournament (specific tournament or expiration date)    -   g) Process for breaking tables:        -   (1) message that table is breaking        -   (2) convey new seat assignment        -   (3) determination of breaking order        -   (4) display of breaking order    -   h) display information on status of other tables and players at        other tables    -   i) System to monitor and adjust hands per hour of an individual        table during a tournament: During a poker tournament it is        important that each table play roughly the same number of hands        per hour as all other tables. This can be accomplished by        pausing a game and/or slowing a game down with out pausing.    -   j) multi-site tournaments    -   k) system for automatically paying players tournament winnings        based on tournament pay tables and their final position in the        tournament    -   l) automatic posting of blinds and method to turn on and off of        automatic posting of blinds/missed blinds    -   m) method for automatically calculating allowed bet amounts in        pot-limit and no-limit betting structures    -   n) automatic varying of rake based upon number of players, time        of day, type of game and/or other criteria    -   o) ability to offer rake discounts to individual players    -   p) transferring a player from one seat to another at the same        table, or to another: Situations exist where are forced to        (“must move”) or desire to move seats. This feature provides        automatic notification and movement of player information from        one seat to another.    -   q) database and network architecture allowing single and        multi-site networking and management of a plurality of automated        poker    -   r) tracking and reporting of player statistics: Data and method        of display over the internet and/or other methods for player to        analyze their previous play statistics. In another embodiment        date and method of display is utilized to determine player        rankings for a given game and/or over a given time period    -   s) ability to view available tables and register for live tables        and/or tournaments via a remote connection such as the internet        or an automated voice response unit    -   t) options adjust speed of play (speed of card shuffling,        dealing, discarding, betting, etc.)    -   u) electronically transfer money from an account to the table    -   v) electronically transfer money to another    -   w) use of “cash card” to bring money to the table    -   x) ability for operator to view details of any and all tables    -   y) ability for operator to view details of any and all players        XI. Virtual Gaming

In one aspect of the present invention, remote or virtual games may beprovided by the system 10. The remote or virtual games may be providedon wireless devices and may be played at predetermined locations.

Virtual games may also be provided through the EPIAs 24. For example,the virtual or remote games may be played by the poker players when itis not their turn. The virtual or remote games may be another pokerhand, played against other players, at the table or at other tables, orplayed against virtual players. Alternatively, the remote or virtualgames may be other types of games, including, but not limited toblackjack, keno, slot machines, and the like.

In addition to running other casino games on EPIA 24 or other terminals,system can be run on other gaming devices throughout the casino. Forexample, a virtual poker game can be run on an existing electronic bingoterminal or an electronic race book terminal.

XII. Alternative Embodiments

While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presentlypreferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended tomention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of theinvention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merelydescriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

1. An electronic gaming system for control of a game in a gamingestablishment, the electronic gaming system comprising: a computer; atleast one electronic player interaction area having a user interface; ahost console being in communication with the at least one electronicplayer interaction area through the computer; and a software-basedhospitality feature integrated between the at least one electronicplayer interaction area and the host console for the transfer ofinformation between at least one game player of each respective one ofthe at least on electronic player interaction area and at least one hostof the gaming establishment.
 2. The electronic gaming system set forthin claim 1 further comprising: an account of the hospitality featureestablished for each respective one of the game players; and a personalidentification number of each account for entering by each one of therespective at least one game players into each respective one of theelectronic player interaction areas.
 3. The electronic gaming system setforth in claim 1 further comprising: an account of the hospitalityfeature established for each respective one of the game players; a cardreader of the hospitality feature integrated into each respective one ofthe at least one electronic player interaction areas; and a computerreadable at least one player card of the hospitality feature whereineach one of the at least one player cards is associated with the accountof a respective one of the at least one game players.
 4. The electronicgaming system set forth in claim 3 wherein the at least one player cardidentifies and accounts for funds in the account of the respective atleast one game player.
 5. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 4 wherein the at least one player card identifies and locates therespective at least one game player through the host console.
 6. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 3 further comprising apersonal identification number of each account for entering by each oneof the respective at least one game players into the user interface ofeach respective one of the electronic player interaction areas.
 7. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 6 further comprisinggovernment reporting forms of the hospitality feature viewable by the atleast one player on the user interface and being constructed andarranged to accept an electronic signature of the at least one gameplayer.
 8. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising: an electronic gaming table; the at least one electronicplayer interaction areas being a plurality of electronic playerinteraction areas spaced about the gaming table from one-another; aleave table button of the hospitality feature integrated into eachrespective one of the plurality of electronic player interaction areasthat permits a respective one of the at least one players to leave theelectronic gaming table during play of a game.
 9. The electronic gamingsystem set forth in claim 8 further comprising a sit-in button of thehospitality feature integrated into each respective one of the pluralityof electronic player interaction areas that permits a new player tosit-in for the respective one of the at least one players that has leftthe electronic gaming table.
 10. The electronic gaming system set forthin claim 9 wherein the sit-in button is de-activated unless the leavetable button is initiated.
 11. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 comprising an electronic signal of the hospitality featurereceived at the host console when a first player logs in to a respectiveone of the at least one electronic player interaction areas.
 12. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 11 wherein the hospitalityfeature tracks the frequency of play of the first player and stores in adatabase.
 13. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 12 whereinthe hospitality feature tracks a history of play of the first player andstores in the database.
 14. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 13 wherein the history of play includes games, wagering and howeach hand is played.
 15. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim12 further comprising a trigger of the hospitality feature received atthe host console if the identification of the first player appears inthe database for alerting the at least one host.
 16. The electronicgaming system set forth in claim 11 further comprising an options buttonof the hospitality feature integrated into each one of the at least oneelectronic player interaction areas, the options button having a drinkrequest option for selection by the at least one player for orderingdrinks.
 17. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 16 whereinthe drink request option is communicated to the host console fortracking of drinks consumed.
 18. The electronic gaming system set forthin claim 11 further comprising: an electronic gaming table; the at leastone electronic player interaction areas being a plurality of electronicplayer interaction areas spaced about the gaming table from one-another;and an options button of the hospitality feature integrated into eachone of the at least one electronic player interaction areas, the optionsbutton having an anonymous alert selection communicating with the hostconsole for alerting the host of undesirable behavior at the electronicgaming table.
 19. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 9further comprising an unseat button of the hospitality featureintegrated into the host console for selection by the host when a playerhas left a game without logging out.
 20. A method of operation of ahospitality feature of an electronic gaming system comprising the stepsof: creating an account for a player in a gaming establishment;assigning a personal identification number to the account; funding theaccount by the player; selecting an electronic player interaction areaby the player; entering the personal identification number by the playerinto the electronic player interaction area; sending a signal to a hostconsole alerting a host of the gaming establishment of the player; andmonitoring play of the player; and downloading of the monitored playinto a database of a computer.
 21. The method of operation set forth inclaim 20 comprising the further step of selecting a service requestbutton of the electronic player interaction area by the player forordering of a drink.
 22. The method of operation set forth in claim 21comprising the further step of sending a signal to the host console uponthe selection of the service request for monitoring drink consumption.23. The method of operation set forth in claim 20 comprising the furthersteps of: selecting an anonymous alert selection of the electronicplayer interaction area by the player; and sending of an alert signal tothe host console to alert the host.
 24. The method of operation setforth in claim 20 comprising the further step of assigning a computerreadable playing card to the player when creating the account.
 25. Themethod of operation set forth in claim 20 comprising the further stepof: monitoring the rate of play of a game at a table having theelectronic player interaction area; comparing the rate of play to aminimum threshold value by the computer; and sending a signal to thehost console by the computer if the rate of play falls below the minimumthreshold.
 26. The method of operation set forth in claim 20 comprisingthe further step of: alerting the player as to available funds by theelectronic player interaction area; and converting at least a portion ofthe funds to electronic chips.
 27. The method of operation set forth inclaim 26 comprising the further step of: logging out from the game bythe player; and crediting any game winnings to the account by thecomputer.
 28. The method of operation set forth in claim 27 comprisingthe further step of displaying government forms on a user interface ofthe electronic poker interaction area by the computer if the player haswinnings.
 29. The method of operation set forth in claim 28 comprisingthe further step of providing an electronic signature on the governmentforms by the player.
 30. The method of operation set forth in claim 20comprising the further step of retrieving the downloaded monitored playfor evaluation.
 31. The method of operation set forth in claim 30comprising the further step of evaluating the retrieved monitored playto establish player collusion.
 32. The method of operation set forth inclaim 31 comprising the further step of evaluating the retrievedmonitored play at the request of a player.
 33. The method of operationset forth in claim 20 comprising the further step of selecting a historybutton of the host console by the host; and reviewing past game play bythe host.